Fascinating plot

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This stylish oriental role-playing adventure has wider appeal
than most, thanks to a fascinating plot and engaging battles.
Players can customise their hero from a selection including
warriors with great strength, speed and magical skills. Dialogue
with allies is enthralling and your responses influence your
path.

The fast-paced martial arts combat offers scope for flair and
experimentation. There are many weapons and combat techniques to
master, including spectacular demonic transformations. Players can
paralyse opponents, leap from danger and even link attacks from
different combat styles to perform devastating combinations. The
battle system may initially seem unwieldy, particularly with
unhelpful camera angles often obscuring foes, but its subtle
sophistication adds terrific depth.

Nintendo DS

Yoshi: Touch & Go

Nintendo, G, RRP $70, * * * *

The first platform game to let players draw their own levels is
a charming endorsement for the innovative touch screen. Yoshi and
Baby Mario make their own way through the crayon-coloured stages
but will quickly meet their doom without user intervention. Players
guide the cute heroes by drawing clouds, either steering them away
from danger or providing platforms to walk on. You can also poke
Yoshi to make him jump or tap at foes to hurl eggs.

The game is delightfully simple to learn but requires tactics
and quick thinking. Multiple methods can be used to tackle any
scenario. Despite the twee presentation, the difficulty may be
beyond many youngsters. Beating high scores is addictive and you
can enjoy wonderful two-player battles.

Playstation 2

Revenge of the Sith

LucasArts, M15+, RRP $90. Also X-box, * *
½

A furious light-sabre fighting game recreating key moments from
the new Star Wars blockbuster. Combat is simple to learn but attack
combinations can be chained together, discouraging random button
bashing. Skilful moves are rewarded with experience points used to
upgrade Jedi abilities. Powers include levitating objects and
tricking weak-minded enemies into attacking each other.

Most droids are dimwitted but players will battle fearsome
opponents such as General Grievous and Mace Windu. Unfortunately
the offensive moves cannot stop the game from feeling repetitive.
Shield door "puzzles" are recycled, while brief turret-blasting
interludes are dull. Bonus missions let players control characters
such as Yoda and Darth Vader.